Mayor Mamdani Acknowledges West Side Encampment, Promises Clearance Without Timeline

Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed Thursday that the city has "noticed" the homeless encampment stretching along Manhattan's West Side, stating that the area "will be cleared." However, Mamdani declined to provide a specific timeline for the removal, nor did he indicate when the city's mandated seven-day outreach period would conclude.

"As with any site once we notice there is seven days until the point of clearing each of those seven days is characterized by outreach from city workers looking to connect those who are present with services whether it be services at a shelter, medical services, or supportive services beyond that," Mamdani told reporters. When pressed about the end date of this seven-day period, the mayor stated, "We can get back to you. I don’t know which is the seventh day."

The encampment, comprising makeshift shelters and tents, spans more than 12 city blocks between the Intrepid Museum and the Jacob Javits Center. Some residents have reportedly tapped into city utility poles for electricity. The area has been described as blighted and an embarrassment to City Hall.

Under current policy, the NYPD must defer enforcement to city outreach and homeless services workers. These workers are given one week to offer services to individuals residing in encampments before authorities can dismantle the structures. City Hall sources indicated that the decision to initiate this outreach period was made on Tuesday, five days after The Post initially reported on the encampment's proliferation. City workers reportedly began cleanup efforts on Wednesday, focusing on trash removal.

Some individuals living in the encampment have expressed a desire for privacy, with one resident stating that the West Side location offers a place to avoid constant observation.

The encampments are situated in a predominantly commercial and industrial zone. Residents have been observed packing up belongings during the day, with indications that many return at nightfall. The sidewalk in the affected areas remains cluttered with assorted trash and personal belongings.